Published on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 11:26:32 AM
MEDIA RELEASE
Issue date: 28 January 2026
Shire of Wagin Australia Day Breakfast 2026
The Shire of Wagin held its annual Breakfast in Wetlands Park on Monday’s Australia Day. We were very pleased to host a Citizenship Ceremony and warmly welcome five new Australian citizens to our community.
We also celebrated some wonderful locals with our 2026 Community Awards as well as an outstanding community organisation:
Community Group of the Year: BlazeAid
This award recognised the work of the BlazeAid organisation in helping recovery efforts after the 2024 Wedgecarrup bushfire. BlazeAid was established as a volunteer-based organisation after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. It works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires, cyclones, droughts and floods. In the hours just after the fire we received a telephone call offering the assistance of BlazeAid to affected property owners in the Shire of Wagin. BlazeAid established a base at the showgrounds and in the following weeks, BlazeAid’s assistance restored 51 kilometres of fencing. This contribution has greatly assisted recovery efforts in our community and enabled our farmers to recover from the terrible fire.
Cr Blight said: “The contribution of BlazeAid goes well beyond the fencing reconstructed. BlazeAid’s volunteers worked alongside our community, shared stories and supported our farmers in that difficult time. We were pleased that our Shire was able to host BlazeAid and on behalf of our Shire I wish to extend our thanks and recogniser BlazeAid and its volunteers.”
We were very fortunate to have Kerry Bennett from BlazeAid receive the award at the Australia Day breakfast. BlazeAid would love to hear from people who are able to donate money or hay or those who would like to become involved as a Blazeaider. BlazeAid volunteers come from all walks of life. You don’t need fencing experience; just a willingness to learn and lend a hand.
Website blazeaid.com.au
Hotline 1300 333 546
Community Citizen Award: Jane Matera
Jane has been a long serving, dedicated member of the Wagin community, creating Aboriginal education initiatives and empowering others through cultural activities, connection, and development. She continues to volunteer across many community driven projects and has consistently advocated for her community and Aboriginal culture for decades, including volunteering with our Local Care and Share for more than 33 years.
Senior Citizen Award: Barbara Pugh
For nearly three decades, Barbara has contributed tirelessly to the Wagin community through her leadership of the Chair Exercise group, guiding participants in safe, engaging sessions that support both physical and mental wellbeing. Her long-standing involvement in the Wagin Craft Group has seen her inspire and teach members to create countless comfort items for people in need. Barbara has also made meaningful contributions to the Wagin Historical Village and the Waratah Lodge Aged Care Board.
Cr Blight said “Thank you to everyone who attended and in particular the volunteers from Lions who organised the food and Rotary who served on the day. The day wouldn’t be achievable without our volunteers and Auspire – Australia Day Council (WA)”.
Cr Phillip Blight
SHIRE PRESIDENT
End of Media Release
Media Enquiries to Cr Phillip Blight | M: 0429 948 868 | E: sp@wagin.wa.gov.au
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